By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor
Doug Martin is a devoted son on a mission, aiming to preserve forever the legacy of his late parents, Gordon and Thelma Martin, who together built successful business enterprises and devoted countless hours to a wide range of ‘quality of life’ organizations in Northern Kentucky.
Gordon Martin, a builder and entrepreneur, was once the largest landowner in Erlanger and developed Cherry Hill subdivision, along with hotels, entertainment facilities and more. He was also the ultimate community volunteer who headed the NKY Chamber of Commerce, chaired NKU’s board, headed John Y. Brown’s storied ‘Northern Kentucky’s Future’ project, helped found the NKY Homebuilders Association, and more. His helpmate, Thelma, was there to support him. She helped found the NKY Homebuilders Auxillary and volunteered extensively in organizations involved in mental health, cancer, scholarships, women and children’s issues, literacy and more. Gordon Martin died in October, 2002. Thelma Martin died in August, 2018.
Doug, the oldest of the Martins’ three sons, recalls that at age 10, he cleaned up the parking lot of his dad’s Ten Pen Bowl in Erlanger to earn the right to bowl at the facility.
It was just the beginning of a lifetime career working for and managing his father’s enterprises. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, he started managing his dad’s bowling lanes and worked his way to the executive suite. Along the way, he developed an admiration for his parent’s selfless community service and became committed to preserving their legacy for future generations.
“I realized how quickly people can forget those who came before us yet made our community the special place it is,” said Doug. “My parents truly loved Northern Kentucky and were highly dedicated to the region throughout their lives. I feel compelled to do what I can to honor their legacy.”
Today, having parlayed his own and his inherited wealth into the Douglas G. Martin Foundation, he has funded projects that bear Gordon and Thelma’s name, including — but not limited to — the Gordon and Thelma Martin Ballroom at NKU’s Student Center, the naming of a portion of the highway from Erlanger to the airport for Gordon, a railroad car in Ludlow for the historic society, the naming of the conference center in Chamber’s new quarters for Gordon.
Since his dad grew up in Ludlow and met his mom when she was a teacher there, Doug Martin has funded the H. Gordon and Thelma S. Martin River Stage at Ludlow Memorial Park, part of the Riverfront Commons trail system.
The grand opening and dedication of the stage will take place during the Ludlow Fireworks Festival on June 27. The Corey Tyler Moore Band will be the first to perform on the new, covered stage. In the future, the Ludlow Community Center hopes to host movie nights, more music events, outdoor yoga and more gatherings there.